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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118182  Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-04-22  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
84826  Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice is to enable learners to develop the managerial capabilities required to establish and maintain the conditions for viability and sustainability within a changing context. In this regard, the qualification is specifically focused on equipping middle managers with the required skills to 'jump the curve' to the next managerial level. This requires a shift in thinking through cognitive development, as well as behavioural change, thereby enabling managers to function at higher levels of complexity and being able to deal with complex problems in their work environment. The qualification supports transformational learning - through a process of changing perspectives and mindsets.

The qualification builds on the value of the individual's work and life experience and develops managers and leaders who have the ability and understanding to manage competently and creatively within the context of an increasingly complex business environment.

Successful managers graduate from the qualification and are able immediately to utilise the lessons and models learnt and integrate these learnings into practice to better equip themselves, their teams and their companies to handle management complexity in our challenging emerging economy.

Rationale:
South Africa is faced with a situation where managerial skills are placed within the category of scarce skills. While the institution currently offers a suite of pre-experience management education there is a gap in offerings aimed at currently employed, experienced working people who require practical, theoretically grounded management skills to move into management or leadership positions. There is a definite and dire need for management training, particularly in the interface between operations and strategic management.

The resultant management framework is subsequently put into action in the learner's context and practised in the workplace. Skills and competencies can be reviewed and honed on an ongoing basis and in real-time. Corporate clients have indicated a definite need for this qualification, particularly tailored to their specific industry needs, as well as a need for qualifications delivered in a blended mode so that the qualification is more accessible to staff who either cannot take the time off to study in contact mode or whose work schedules and travel do not permit long periods on campus. Often it is precisely these driven, capable individuals who are being targeted for management roles.

Potential Corporate clients began approaching the institution to address this shortfall with a relevant, modular qualification that would facilitate work-based, action learning in the management domain with thematic incorporation of requisite skills spanning the corporate value chain. This focused the institution on the need to engage with the real management issues confronting corporations and to devise appropriate solutions that are practised and fine-tuned in the workplace. In the case of customised qualifications that have been co-designed with corporate clients specifically for their training needs, within the parameters of the qualification, this process aims at increasing a network of current and future leaders in the organisation who will have the capacity to innovate, think differently and systemically, and locate their organisations in market and industry leadership positions.

The qualification was developed to meet the changing needs in the complex and rapidly-changing South African marketplace, equipping individuals with the right skills and knowledge to manage and lead effectively.

The typical learner is moving into or through middle management and is required to move from the operational level to the strategic level of the management pipeline. The qualification will enable learners to develop an appreciation of the managerial capabilities required to establish and maintain the conditions for viability and sustainability within a changing context, to provide learning opportunities designed to develop the ability to manage future learning and self-development and, in the process, develop a range of the managerial competencies.

This qualification is targeted especially at post-experience, working professionals throughout Southern Africa, many of whom are in senior professional or junior management roles. By offering the qualification in a distance mode learning version, the institution will also widen access to the qualification and provide more opportunities. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners not meeting the NQF 7 qualification requirement can apply through the Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) route. RPL practices for specific qualifications are context-sensitive and framed to suit those different contexts where RPL is deemed appropriate. The institution's RPL is based on a developmental model, not a deficit model of adult learning, it builds on knowledge and skills that adults have already acquired.

Increasing numbers of RPL learners are enrolling on Postgraduate qualifications and managing most successfully. Learners are required to furnish a comprehensive portfolio of evidence documenting their achievements and associated learnings to date - encompassing work, home and community-based activities. This is an ideal opportunity for high-level managers (in particular) to access an academic qualification and make their mark.

RPL can be used to access the qualification in cases where the learner can demonstrate a high level of business/professional acumen and suitable personal qualities (such as determination, commitment, good time and workload management). The RPL application will be reviewed by an RPL Assessor and an Academic Faculty member of the Business School following the institution's RPL policy. Potentially suitable RPL learners will be interviewed and will be required to complete an assessment based on their specific prior experience and knowledge.

RPL Process:
The institution engages in a process of evaluation for learners who apply based on RPL. The evaluation of prior learning is an academic task and, like other forms of assessment, is done by academic experts in the given field, drawing on other experts as needed. The academic will decide on the most appropriate methods and approaches for the assessment of prior learning in their field. The assessment of the RPL candidate and the decisions concerning their admission are the ultimate responsibility of the Deans in consultation with the heads of department to which they are applying, facilitated and supported by the expertise of staff within the Centre for Higher Education Development (CHED).

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • An appropriate NQF Level 7 qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Values-Based Leadership and Sustainability, 25 Credits.
  • Business Acumen I, 25 Credits.
  • Business Acumen II, 25 Credits.
  • Emerging Markets in Context, 25 Credits.
  • Action Learning Report, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify and evaluate core constructs of leadership and their application to the local and global context.
    2. Identify and articulate personal leadership competencies and personal value systems.
    3. Use a range of systems thinking tools to identify and mediate the underlying causes contributing to a managerial problem.
    4. Apply business acumen skills and problem-solving techniques to strengthen managerial effectiveness.
    5. Analyse and present solutions for challenges that businesses and leaders face when they operate in an emerging market context.
    6. Make ethical decisions and function effectively in diverse and uncertain environments which are typical of emerging markets.
    7. Assess the impact and sustainability of interventions made in their workplace.
    8. Select and apply suitable data analysis tools to define and present solutions for complex managerial situations. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of different perspectives and worldviews of business management.
  • Analyse and apply different leadership theories and constructs to the local and global context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify and apply the relevance of personal concerns on leadership enhancement.
  • Identify and articulate personal value systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate a clear understanding of the concepts and theories in a specific field of management.
  • Evaluate, synthesize and integrate relevant theories of management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply, evaluate and integrate relevant theories, tools and techniques, relating to core business functions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Use a range of specialist business acumen skills to identify, analyse and address managerial problems and decisions in a confident manner.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Conceptualise learning into the organisational environment and how this translates in the approach to Business Strategy.
  • Adapt to diverse cultures and institutional environments and operate in conditions of uncertainty.
  • Analyse different challenges that businesses and leaders face when they operate in diverse national and international environments.
  • Make decisions that show ethical conduct and professional practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Discuss sustainable development issues and the role of business in promoting this.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Show the pedagogical skills of critical thinking, problem-solving, collection and analysis of data and effective written communication.
  • Integrate the key themes of the qualification learning journey during the application of their knowledge to a real-world challenge in their organisation.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessment strategy has been designed to ensure that it meets the outcomes of the qualification and ensures that each learner has mastered the coursework. Due to the nature of the material, assessments consist of both individual and group assignments (formative).

    Each module will have a series of assessments, to ensure that learning is monitored continuously.

    The various results of the assignments/assessments held during the year will constitute the mark for the qualifications. The assignments will seek to test learners' understanding and application of the concepts and theories with practical questions.

    A summative assessment should assess all key learning outcomes of the course (not just one or two of them).

    The qualification assessments will be moderated by external examiners appointed by the institution, following the standard institution's external moderation process, and with administrative support from lecturers and qualification coordinators. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The NQF 8 level of study is generally considered to be the equivalent of the fourth year of study of an international four-year Bachelor's Degree. However, although this qualification can be compared at an exit level to Bachelor of Management qualifications, it differs in that it is aimed at post-experience learners rather than at school-leavers (as is the case with undergraduate degrees).

    The following international qualifications are similar in the level, duration, scope and/or learning outcomes.

    India:
    Postgraduate Diploma in Management (including a range of specialisations), Maharashtra Institute of Technology, School of Distance Education, the core management and business acumen offerings are similar to those offered on this qualification, as is the distance delivery mode. The specialisations add subject-specific knowledge that is not covered in the PGDip in Management Development as it is a generalist qualification.

    United Kingdom:
    The London School of Business and Finance offers the Graduate Diploma in Management which is similar to the South African qualification in content and structure, including a major project similar to the Action Learning Report. The Graduate Diploma in Management from the University of London is offered in a distance mode with similar content focusing on context and business acumen. The University of Birmingham is also offering the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, with similar content focus and duration, functioning both as a standalone qualification as well as a pathway to Master's studies (e.g. MBA).

    Hong Kong:
    Hong Kong Management Association (HKMA) and the University of Greenwich offer Bachelor of Honours in Business Studies, which is similar in focus on business acumen and management. This qualification is also offered over one year leading into Master's qualification.

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice compares favourably with the above-mentioned international qualification in terms of similar content, structure and to some extent, the duration including the mode of delivery. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Business Administration, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.